Sunday, June 5, 2016

Opposites Attract Blog Hop and Giveaway!

Hi, and welcome back to my blog. I know it's been over a month since I've written. I've been working on some things, but didn't blog about them. I think I had mentioned that my dad was ill. He had an infection, and passed away on May 15 from complications from the antibiotics he was given. It's been a rough 3 months. Although we were hoping that he would have continued to fight, he had just lost too much weight to fight again, when he had the final relapse of C-Diff. He was a great man, and loved by many. He's taught me so much, and was always proud of what I could create. We are all missing him. In the meantime, I've also been working on getting my new studio set up, and working on some projects for custom orders, and my piece for this blog hop. Marion of Seams To Be Sew invited a variety of bloggers to help celebrate opposites. We were to create a small quilt using 2 colors. Since I had planned to make a pink and white wall-hanging for my new bathroom, I searched for a pattern to use. I had planned to make the December 2015 Aurifil Designer of the Month mini, so I picked some of my red/pink fabrics from Island Batik, and Sprinkles, a fun neutral from the basics collection. I had a sample of the main deep magenta from my Ambassador box, but purchased more. I also used Raspberry, a basic from their collection to add the medium shade. I picked these fabrics because they went well with my towels from Lands' End, Hot Fuchsia.

Although it was rainy, the quilt matches some of the roses in my yard.

Island Batik's colors are so pretty! I love the texture and quality of the fabrics. Being an Ambassador is awesome!

When the quilt is finished (with the darker fabric for a binding) it will hang here, on the quilt rack I purchased for it. All will be mounted correctly, not with tape and thumb tacks, lol. I'll share when the whole bathroom is done. I think it's going to add such a fun and pretty touch to the wall!

If you hadn't heard, I moved back home to help my parents, and have a small basement apartment in their house. The bathroom and kitchen in the apartment had black mold, so the bath was ripped out, and I've had most of it rebuilt. I still need to do another coat of paint and add some shelves. but picked deep pink for the towels and accents. We still need to finish the kitchen, and I'm using the 2nd floor bedroom for my studio. Mom's really been glad I'm here for her, now, and she's having fun doing photo shoots and helping me pick fabrics for projects. She even went to a quilt show with me. With all the changes and happenings over the last few months, it feels really good to be sewing, quilting and blogging again. Each day brings something fun, even with the sadness of missing my dad. Please also visit the other bloggers sharing today, and enter the Rafflecopter link for a chance to win a gift certificate from The Fat Quarter Shop, and another prize from DJInkers.Visit:Ravelry1Teatime Creations123QuiltSew Many YarnsThanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy the opposites! Maryellen

I'm so sorry about your father. There is no way to measure how much you loved each other. I'm glad that you can be there to help your mother through this time. Having lost my husband six years ago, I know that's a difficult thing. Your company may help. I love the little wall-hanging you've made. It looks perfect with those towels. So glad you could get rid of the mold - that stuff is awful.

Losing my father was one of the most difficult periods for me and I know that he is their watching over his children. It is the same with you. He's watching over you, keeping you safe, and he knows your going thru this period of adjustment to. I feel for you and I truly am sorry for your loss.

Your red and white hanging is gorgeous and I love how it hangs aboe the towel rack in the bathroom.

I truly admire that you were able to participate in Opposites Attract, as I know it couldn't have been easy having to deal with your loss, but we are all grateful that you showed us this beautiful project and shared your loss with us today. Many Many Hugs!!!

I lost both my Husband and Father in 2014, so I can sympathize with your loss. I am glad that you and your Mom are creating a more special bond with each other in this trying time. Your project is fabulous. Love the "Hot Pink". Your Mom is probably having a blast helping with the photo shoots. Take Care. raydeer@memlane.com

I'm so sorry about your Dad. That Cdiff is a terrible complication of antibiotics. Your quilt is lovely and will look great in your bathroom. Thank you for sharing your project with all that's going on with your life right now. I hope it provided a little bit of distraction for you. Sandy

My condolences to you and your Mom. It is a blessing that you were able to move in with them and support both your parents through a difficult time. It is good that you have a focus to help you move through this stage. Your wall hanging is lovely. Let your quilting be part of your comfort.

Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. That's always hard. Glad to learn things are beginning to get back to normal and that you're enjoying sewing again. I love the two color quilt you've created. Those are some of my favorite pinks. :-)

So sorry to hear about your dad. It is so kind of you to move back with your mom to help out. Love your pink and white piece...don't see just those two colors to often, but it's really quite striking. Thanks for sharing.

So sorry for your loss. I'm sure it's a blessing for both you and your mom to be together during this tough time. At least your dad is at peace now. I went through a similar situation with my dad - but it was the ugly C word and he fought so hard until we finally told him it was to rest.Your quilt is great - I love the colors! Thanks for the chance to win :)Debby Esamtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com

About Me

Hi. I am a teacher/professor, crafter, dressmaker, costume designer, quilter, singer, baker and cook. I joke that my dad is a Jack of all trades, and I am Jack's daughter. I love creating things for my family and friends. Enjoy my blog!Thanks for looking. If you wish to contact me about my crafts or if you need a quick recipe, email me at marymackmademine@gmail.com.